eSakshi App Launched to Track Fund Flow Under MPLADS

January 17, 2024

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation launched a new app called eSakshi this week to track the fund flow under the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) for 2023. The app aims to capture the entire MPLADS fund allocation cycle and provide greater convenience and accessibility in monitoring the scheme.

Revamping MPLADS Management

The eSakshi app launch is part of the ministry’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the management and efficiency of the MPLADS. Last year, the ministry introduced revised guidelines for MPLADS to help MPs better direct funds toward needed works in their constituencies. The guidelines came after a third-party evaluation of the scheme based on works done from 2014-2019.

Key aspects of the revised MPLADS guidelines include:

Allocation of the full annual amount of Rs 5 crore to each MP at the start of the financial year instead of in installments. This allows MPs to recommend works without waiting for fund disbursal.
Launch of the SAKSHI portal to track MPLADS progress and status of funds and works in real-time.
Enabling centralized and state agencies, district authorities and MPs to all monitor MPLADS work status on the portal for greater transparency.

Over 200,000 Pending MPLADS Works

As of December 2022, over 200,000 MPLADS works were reported as pending completion across India. According to statistics shared in Parliament, Uttar Pradesh alone accounted for 10% of the delayed projects. The numbers point to shortcomings in the timely execution of sanctioned works.

Completion Rate Dropped in 2022-23

In 2022-23 so far, the number of MPLADS works completed has been 10% less than the number sanctioned. This contrasts previous years where work completion outpaced sanctions. The reduction contributes to the backlog.

Demands to Increase MPLADS Funds

Given the large volume of pending works, some Members of Parliament have demanded that the annual MPLADS fund allocation per MP be doubled from Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore. They argue this will enable them to sanction more high-impact projects for their constituents.

However, others contend that enhancing transparency, monitoring and efficiency of existing allocation usage is a higher priority. If execution issues can be streamlined, the current Rs 5 crore cap may prove sufficient for MPs to champion meaningful development projects in their areas.

SAKSHI Portal and App to Improve Monitoring

The SAKSHI portal launched last year and the new eSakshi app represent the ministry’s focus on leveraging technology to strengthen MPLADS governance. Features like real-time visibility into the status of sanctions, funds and work should assist all parties in tracking and accelerating projects.

Sustained Focus on MPLADS Performance

As the ministry’s supervision of MPLADS continues, metrics such as year-on-year work completion rates, district-wise pending works and fund utilization efficiency will need to demonstrate steady improvements.

The success of reforms will depend on their translation into visible gains for citizens across the sites of MPLADS projects, especially in historically underserved regions. Sustained policy and administrative attention is imperative for unlocking the decentralized, participative potential of the ambitious scheme.

« Previous Post Next Post »